Match Report: Milano 2-3 CT All Stars
Cape Town All Stars produced a spirited performance when they overcame Milano United with a superb 3-2 win at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday afternoon
The sides started relatively cautious and did not want to concede early in the game. As a typical Cape derby, the opening stages were back-and-forth with a quick ball possession turnaround in the middle of the park.
In the eight minute Lesvin Stoffels did well to lose his marker on the edge of the area before having a go at goalkeeper Kyle Peters, but his tame effort missed the target. Meanwhile, at the other end, Mthokozisi Msomi’s ambitious 30-yard strike also lacked direction, and did not trouble shot-stopper Wensten Van Der Linde.
In the 19th minute Eezy My Kinnes unlocked Cape Town All Stars with a good team-effort goal. Midfielder Nazier Jacobs initiated the long ball towards the left hand side in the direction of Jabulane Mazibuko, who did superb to get the ball into the danger area where Stoffels picked it up and unselfishly setup Jacobs, who calmly slotted home and finished off the play he initiated.
Shortly after, captain Nasief Morris came inches close to doubling the lead, but his headed attempt from a set-piece took a deflection. Moments later The Kinnes were awarded a penalty when Mazibuko was brought down in the area, and Morris stepped up to produce a world class finish with a cheeky chip over a diving Peters to give his side a 2-0 lead.
The tempo of the game immediately rose as the home side looked to get back into the game. Ten minutes later, Igugu Lekapa pulled one back when Msomi’s indirect free-kick inside the 18-yard area found the back of the net.
All Stars got a tongue-lashing at the halftime break and came out rejuvenated and took the game to Milano with a flurry of attacks. Their hard work soon paid off when Houston Hills got the equalizer in the 60th minute.
Both sides played with heart and determined for maximum points. Milano coach Theo Hempe introduced Diego Brown and Ganief Stellenboom, whilst coach Boebie Solomons brought on Brent Carelse and the young Mihlali Mayambela.
The two sides produced a beautiful display of Cape Town football in their positive plays, but were unfortunate in their final pass when it mattered. The match could have gone either way, but was decided during injury time and with a stroke of luck when All Stars snatched the winning goal.
Former Milano attacker Houston Hills sunk his former team when he drove the ball home following a scramble inside the 18-yard area, to give his side a well-earned 3-2 victory.
